New Tank - need help/opinions

[pedzola]

I am planning to purchase a Tenecor 75-Long aquarium (60"x18"x16") to set up as a loach tank. Fake plants only.

After doing some research, I think I've decided on the lighting and filtration, but I would like some opinions on my choices.

1) I've decided to go with an Eheim 2128 thermofilter to cover both filtration and heating. This is based on the Eheim reputation, and my desire to keep minimal clutter in the tank. Since the filter is rated for 150g+ aquariums, I figure this single unit would be more than adequate for my 75g tank. (link)

2) For lighting, I picked out the Coralife Aqualight Single Compact Fluorescent Strip Lights. Probably the 48" light that comes with 2 65-watt bulbs. The one question I had about this fixture (any fixture, actually!) is how I will mount it on the top of my acrylic aquarium. The optional legs seem to only work for glass. (link)


Does this sound like a good setup? All of your thoughts and opinions are welcome. I want my loaches to be happy. Thanks.

 

[budrecki]

Do your really want compact fluorescent lights? Without plant competing for nutrients, you are going to have major algae problems.

Just something to think about.

 

[pedzola]

Ok... I don't know anything at all about lighting. I was under the impression that this was my lowest-output option.

I was specifically trying to find a fixture that doesn't put out too much light because I want the aquarium to be able to stay cool in the summer, and also loaches prefer lower light.

If you have any recommendations for a less powerful fixture, that would be fantastic.

 

[budrecki]

I am planning to purchase a Tenecor 75-Long aquarium (60"x18"x16") to set up as a loach tank. Fake plants only.

WOW! Just looked this up. $392 for just a tank!? And you know acrylic scratches, right?

As for lights, go with regular fluorescent strip lights. Allglass and perfecto make them and you can buy them at most "pet stores" ( petsmart, petco) and a larger lfs.

 

[pedzola]

Yeah, the tank is going to be about $500. $392 + $120 shipping. I'm buying through my LFS, so they will be able to give me a bit of a discount I think, but I'm not counting on it being much less than MSRP.

Acrylic is stronger, lighter, clearer, it's a better insulator, and, unlike glass, the scratches can be buffed out. I think it's worth the extra cost.


About the strip lights...

1) How would I mount those to the tank?

2) I read that regular fluorescent lights promote the growth of brown algae. Is that true?

3) I've read that compact fluorescents run cooler, require less power, and last longer. Thats why I had picked the Coralife fixture out. Do regular fluorescents have a significantly lower light output? I'm also concerned about heat...

 

[budrecki]

They do have a much lower out put (regular flouro 40 watts vs. compact fluoro 65w x 2 or 130 watts)

Most compacts have built in fans beause they produce so much heat, and need to be mounted on legs above the tank.

Regulars can be set directly on the glass cover. No fans nedded.

Glass or acrylic?

 

[pedzola]

hmmm... see I actually read that Compact Fluorescents create LESS heat per watt. I guess I will have to do some further research.

Also, you say I can just plop this right on top of my tank? It does not have a glass cover on top, it is acrylic. I wouldn't want water to spray on my lights??

I can't tell if that tank in the picture is glass or acrylic! lol But it looks very nice.

The "clarity" of acrylic was low on the list of reasons to buy. The reason I like acrylic is more because of the added strength, better seams (acrylic will never leak), and light weight (I move often, the tank needs to come w/me). Finally, I think that the added insulation of the acrylic tank is a huge bonus where I live (new england). The weather here can vary up to 40 degrees in 24 hours at any time of year, and so the house temp doesn't always stay stable. The added insulation is an important feature for me.

I'm kind of nervous that these strip lights aren't any good... they are 1/5 the cost of any other light.

 

[budrecki]

They aren’t any good…...if you want to grow plants. If you just want to look at your fish, why risk a BIG algae problem with excess light?

Check out this stickt on algae
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24916


BTW, you do know fish jump, right? Especially clown loaches?

You need some sort of a lid to reduce evpaoration as well.

 

[pedzola]

I think the tank comes w/some kind of acrylic covers for the access holes on top.

I have never seen my clowns attempt to jump, but that doesn't mean it's not possible I guess. In fact I've never seen ANY of my fish jump!

In any case... maybe I should consider live plants???? lol Is there something I can get that is easy to grow that will be a "nitrate sponge" for my aquarium and will look alright?

The reason I didn't want live plants is because I don't want to have to deal w/an expensive C02 system, and I though it might be real difficult to clean the tank if I've gotta rip up my plants and replant them every time I do a gravel vaccuum.

HMMMMMmmmm...

 

[hurricanejedi]

You don't need to pull out plants when you clean. The plants will take care of any acid build-ups that might occur so not a problem. Also its easy to make your own co2 system. It was really daunting for me at first. I'm cheating though and buying a little gadget at bigals that diffuses the co2, has a bubble counter and check valve all in one (then I get a 2 liter bottle and airline tubing and hook them together and thats it!). Most people even make their own diffusers and such. Total cost for me will be $16 and most people I think can make them for around $5-10. Of course with a larger tank you might need a couple 2 liter bottles. Not sure on that.

Check out ahsupply.com for a good light fixture if you want plants. They even have some nice fixtures that you can install the kit into. I really like the looks of these and someday might get one .

Java moss I believe absorbs nitrates really well. I think its pretty low light too.